There were 41 youth sailors from Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, St. Maarten and St Barth who competed in the St. Maarten Budget Marine Optimist Championship hosted by St Maarten Yacht Club 24 and 25 November 2023, making this a truly international event that is showing great growth.
At the opening ceremony on November 24, Carrack Jones was recognized for his remarkable sail from Antigua to St. Maarten in an Optimist. He arrived on November 23rd at 11 pm and apparently still had the energy to take part in the Championship.
Three fleets – the Sailqube fleet for the youngest sailors, the orange intermediate fleet, and the advanced blue fleet, ensured that racers could shine in their own category.
Impressive top scoring winners were Axel le Calvex from Saint Martin Voile pour tous in the Sailqube fleet, Ruben van Hest representing Antigua Yacht Club in the orange fleet and Thomas Magras from the Saint Barths Yacht Club, in the blue fleet, who was also overall winner of the Championship.
There were many battles for 2nd and 3rd place and further down the line, preparing and toughening competitors for future racing events. Special awards went to Elliot Balland from the Saint Barths Yacht Club (Best Newcomer) and Nathan Sheppard (Best sailor of Sint Maarten with the title ‘Sint Maarten National Dinghy Champion in the Optimist’).
Budget Marine was extremely proud to sponsor this event along with the support of local businesses, hard-working St Maarten Yacht Club organizers and volunteers, both on and of the water. We wish all the participants a great future in sailing and hope to see even more taking part next year.
More photos and results can be found on the SMYC Website.
